I have a few coins with a distinct historical tie which makes them a permanent part of my collection. One of my favorites is this 1821 halfpenny from St. Helena, the British island where Napoleon was exiled the second time, and where he died, in 1821. What are your favorite historical coins?
1792 Half Dime The first coin struck by the United States was the half dime (originally spelled "disme") in July 1792, months before the Mint facility was fully completed. Legend has it that the silver to produce the half dime was donated by George and Martha Washington. The coins were struck in the basement of John Harper, a citizen of Philadelphia. On hand to witness the event were the Washingtons, Rittenhouse, Jefferson, Hamilton, and other dignitaries. Fifteen hundred of these pieces were minted, but only as pattern coins, and were not intended for circulation, though some of them did reach the public. Many historians believe the portrait on the half dimes was modeled after Martha Washington. Though not a regular mint issue, the 1792 half dime attracts great respect from modern day collectors, bringing upwards of $300,000 for specimens in MS-64 Uncirculated condition. Photo courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA (http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.com/the-first-US-mint.html) 8th paragraph. * I just think it's a neat coin that symbolizes our Independence and can sort of be viewed as the foundation of our monetary system.
As a kid there was little money for coins but I could buy something from the dealer junk box and have a great time learning about it. I was a history nut so coins fit right in. An Expo. coin gave me hours and even days of fun.
Those exposition medals are so neat. I especially like the Pan-American Indian cent in an aluminum ring. I have an elongated cent from the Pan-American Exposition-- also made from a 1901 Indian cent-- but mine has lost most of the detail of the original cent
Without a doubt, my favorite historical coin. Click this link for the historical background-->http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t50032/?t=50032#post550974
Here's a set of coins that were circulating in Japan during the waning days of the Shogunate, and for a few years after the Shogunate was ended. The total value was 1 ryo, a very hefty sum in those days. One ryo is said to have been the equivalent of 100,000 yen-- or $1000-- today. And the biggest silver coin in this picture-- an Ansei ichibu-gin-- weighed a minuscule 8.63 grams and contained 87.6% silver-- yet it was worth 1/4 of a ryo! No wonder the Americans and other Westerners were eager to open Japan to trade in the 1850s-- precious metals were worth far more in Japan!
Of late, this is my favorite historical coin. I've always admired General Stonewall Jackson and have often wondered if things might have turned out differently at Gettysburg had he survived that fateful day when he was mistakenly shot by one of his Pickett's at Chancellorsville.
I can't decide. All of my coins are historical to some degree, so I'll just focus on ones that commemorate historical events. This first one commemorates the thousandth anniversary of the founding of Rome, in 246 AD. The emperor Philip I held massive celebrations, with feasting and games for the whole city. Philip I, AD 244-249 AE - Sestertius 27mm 248 AD laurate and draped bust right IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Cippus inscribed COS III SAECVLARES AVGG S-C RIC 162a This one commemorates the victories of Septimius Severus over the Picts in what is now Scotland. These victories led to the construction of the Severan Wall, north of the more-popular Hadrian's Wall. Septimius Severus, AE sestertius – 31.5mm, 23.35g Rome, 210 AD L SEPT SEVERVS PIVS AVG laureate bust r. P M TR P XVIII COS III P P two Victories facing each other affixing shield on palm tree, two bound & seated Pict captives at base, SC in ex RIC 796, C 547, BMC 185, Spink 652
I thought this thread was about historical coins, not ugly ones. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but I'm sure that even he would hate this thing.
I would say the opposite. You know I have a very classically trained eye, and no care for modern styles.
You can't have it both ways. You can't have an educated asthetic eye and have no care for modern styles. Next you will want to burn all the Van Gogh's. Ruben
Wow! I have that exact coin! Well, not exact, but same year. Not as good of quality, either, but thank you for posting that. I didn't know that was the first coin to feature the In God We Trust motto. Jarrid
